Church of Our Lady of the Old Town

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Fronteira > Fronteira > Vila Velha

Location

Situated atop a rounded hill, in the area of Vila Velha, on the outskirts of the town of Fronteira, this church stands at a point recognized as the original site of the village's foundation. Its position offers a vast and inspiring panorama over the Alto Alentejo landscape, inviting contemplative pause. Access to the walled churchyard is via a ramp and staircase, leading visitors to a space where history and nature converge.

A Legacy of Faith and Pilgrimage

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Vila Velha possesses deep historical roots, with records pointing to its existence since the late 15th century, although its foundation may date back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, the temple solidified its position as an important pilgrimage destination, attracting faithful devotees moved by their devotion to its patroness.

A notable event, which occurred in 1694, reinforced popular faith: lightning struck the chancel during a pilgrimage, but miraculously, there were no casualties. This event further solidified the sanctuary's status in the region, leading to the construction of annexes in the 18th century to accommodate the growing influx of devotees. Recently, the church was officially proclaimed a Jubilee Sanctuary, underlining its continued relevance as a center of worship and devotion.

Architectural and Artistic Details

From an architectural point of view, the church features a distinctive porch, characterized by three round arches on the main façade and two larger arches on the sides. Inside, the single nave is covered by an elegant barrel vault, beneath which is the choir resting on a galilee. The visual richness of the space is remarkable, with the walls entirely covered, up to the cornice, by stunning polychrome tiles. These panels, predominantly featuring lacework patterns and geometric motifs in shades of blue, white, and yellow, fill the environment with their vibrant composition.

The chancel, circular in plan, is distinguished by its dome-shaped ceiling, where mural paintings elaborately depicted in nineteen coffers stand out. These scenes represent episodes from the life of the Virgin and various saints, as well as figures of angels and evangelists, reflecting a rich iconographic program. Inside, it is also possible to admire a collection of 19th-century ex-voto paintings, which testify to profound popular devotion throughout the ages.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt